David Cochran Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Booth Dam Meighn Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
David Cochran Dam, located in Farmersville, Missouri, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for grade stabilization along TR-Big No Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a structural height of 29 feet, with a length of 456 feet. Its primary purpose is grade stabilization, and it also serves for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond.
The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. It has a maximum storage capacity of 46 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 31 acre-feet and a drainage area of 172.8 square miles. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 10 feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam has not been regulated or inspected by the state, and its condition is currently not rated. The surrounding area covers a surface area of 5 acres, providing essential water resource management for the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, David Cochran Dam offers a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and management. With its unique design by the USDA NRCS and its role in grade stabilization along TR-Big No Creek, the dam presents an interesting intersection of environmental conservation and water resource utilization. Its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality in serving the community's needs for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
456 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG NO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
172.8 |
Nid Storage |
46 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Medicine Creek Near Laredo
|
6cfs |
Thompson River At Trenton
|
111cfs |
Locust Creek Near Linneus
|
35cfs |
Grand River At Chillicothe
|
361cfs |
East Fork Big Creek Near Bethany
|
2cfs |
Grand River Near Gallatin
|
61cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
David Cochran Dam